The Why 12 Days Of Christmas, a popular carol, holds more than just festive cheer; it’s a song steeped in history and symbolism. Join why.edu.vn as we explore the origin, meaning, and enduring appeal of this holiday classic, and discover a wealth of knowledge just like this waiting for you. Explore the rich traditions, festive evolution and lyrical analysis with us!
1. The Origin and History of the Twelve Days of Christmas
The song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has a rich history that spans centuries. Understanding its origins provides insight into the tradition and meaning behind each gift mentioned in the lyrics.
1.1. Historical Roots of the Song
The exact origin of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is debated, but it’s generally believed to have originated as a memory and forfeit game among children in France or England during the 16th or 17th century. The lyrics were not initially standardized, and different versions existed across various regions. This oral tradition allowed for improvisation and adaptation, contributing to the song’s evolution over time.
1.2. Publication and Evolution of Lyrics
The earliest known printed version of the song appeared in a children’s book titled “Mirth without Mischief,” published in England around 1780. The lyrics were slightly different from the modern version, and the song was primarily used as a game. Players would have to remember the sequence of gifts, and those who made mistakes would have to pay a forfeit, adding a playful element to the holiday season. Over the years, the lyrics have been revised and standardized, resulting in the version we commonly sing today.
1.3. Connection to Christmas Traditions
The twelve days of Christmas represent the period between Christmas Day (December 25) and the Epiphany (January 6), which commemorates the arrival of the Magi to see the baby Jesus. This period is a significant part of the Christian liturgical year and is celebrated with various traditions and festivities in different cultures. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song reflects this festive spirit, with each gift symbolizing different aspects of the holiday season.
2. Decoding the Gifts: Symbolism and Meanings
Each gift mentioned in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” carries its own symbolism and meaning, reflecting the cultural and religious context in which the song originated.
2.1. Partridge in a Pear Tree: A Symbol of Christ
The partridge in a pear tree is often interpreted as a symbol of Jesus Christ. In Christian symbolism, the partridge represents truth, intelligence, and knowledge. The pear tree, with its sweet and nourishing fruit, symbolizes Christ’s love and sacrifice. Together, the partridge in a pear tree represents Christ as the source of truth and salvation.
2.2. Turtle Doves: Love and Fidelity
Two turtle doves symbolize love, faithfulness, and commitment. Turtle doves are known for their strong pair bonds and lifelong devotion to their mates. In the context of the song, the two turtle doves represent the love between God and humanity, as well as the importance of fidelity and devotion in relationships.
2.3. French Hens: Faith, Hope, and Charity
Three French hens represent the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. These virtues are considered essential for spiritual growth and are often depicted in Christian art and literature. The three French hens serve as a reminder of the importance of cultivating these virtues in our lives.
2.4. Calling Birds: The Four Gospels
Four calling birds symbolize the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These Gospels tell the story of Jesus Christ’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection. The calling birds represent the spread of the Gospel message and the call to follow Christ.
2.5. Golden Rings: The First Five Books of the Old Testament
Five golden rings symbolize the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books contain the foundational laws and teachings of Judaism and Christianity. The golden rings represent the value and importance of these scriptures.
2.6. Geese-a-Laying: The Six Days of Creation
Six geese-a-laying symbolize the six days of creation described in the Book of Genesis. These days represent God’s creative power and the beauty and order of the natural world. The geese-a-laying serve as a reminder of God’s role as the creator of the universe.
2.7. Swans-a-Swimming: The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Seven swans-a-swimming symbolize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are believed to empower believers to live a life of faith and service. The swans represent grace, beauty, and spiritual transformation.
2.8. Maids-a-Milking: The Eight Beatitudes
Eight maids-a-milking symbolize the eight Beatitudes, which are a set of teachings by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes describe the qualities and blessings of those who follow Christ’s teachings, such as mercy, humility, and peacemaking. The maids-a-milking represent the importance of embodying these virtues in our daily lives.
2.9. Ladies Dancing: The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Nine ladies dancing symbolize the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits are the result of living in accordance with the Holy Spirit and are evidence of spiritual maturity. The ladies dancing represent the joy and abundance that come from living a life filled with the Spirit.
2.10. Lords-a-Leaping: The Ten Commandments
Ten lords-a-leaping symbolize the Ten Commandments, which are a set of ethical principles given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments provide a foundation for moral living and are central to both Judaism and Christianity. The lords-a-leaping represent the importance of obeying God’s laws and living a righteous life.
2.11. Pipers Piping: The Eleven Faithful Apostles
Eleven pipers piping symbolize the eleven faithful apostles of Jesus Christ. These apostles were chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and to spread his message after his ascension. The pipers represent the apostles’ role in proclaiming the Gospel and leading the early church.
2.12. Drummers Drumming: The Twelve Points of the Apostles’ Creed
Twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of the Apostles’ Creed, which is a statement of Christian belief summarizing the essential doctrines of the faith. The drummers represent the importance of upholding and proclaiming these foundational beliefs.
3. The Enduring Popularity of the Song
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” has remained a popular Christmas carol for centuries, and its enduring appeal can be attributed to several factors.
3.1. Catchy Melody and Repetitive Structure
The song’s catchy melody and repetitive structure make it easy to learn and sing along to. The cumulative nature of the lyrics, with each verse building upon the previous one, creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. This makes the song engaging for both children and adults, contributing to its widespread popularity.
3.2. Association with Christmas Festivities
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is closely associated with the Christmas season and its festive traditions. The song’s lyrics evoke images of gift-giving, celebration, and togetherness, capturing the spirit of the holiday. Its association with Christmas festivities ensures that it remains a beloved part of the holiday repertoire.
3.3. Cultural Significance and Nostalgia
For many people, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” evokes feelings of nostalgia and fond memories of childhood Christmases. The song has become a cultural touchstone, passed down through generations and associated with cherished family traditions. Its cultural significance ensures that it continues to be enjoyed and celebrated for years to come.
4. Modern Interpretations and Adaptations
The Twelve Days of Christmas has inspired countless modern interpretations and adaptations, showcasing its versatility and enduring relevance.
4.1. Parodies and Humorous Versions
Many parodies and humorous versions of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” exist, often featuring contemporary themes and situations. These parodies poke fun at modern life, politics, or pop culture, adding a comedic twist to the classic carol. They demonstrate the song’s adaptability and its ability to resonate with audiences in different contexts.
4.2. Creative Musical Arrangements
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” has been arranged and performed in a variety of musical styles, from classical to rock to jazz. These creative arrangements showcase the song’s melodic richness and its potential for musical experimentation. They also attract diverse audiences and introduce the song to new generations of listeners.
4.3. Charitable Campaigns and Fundraising
The theme of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has been used in numerous charitable campaigns and fundraising efforts. Organizations often use the twelve days as a framework for highlighting different needs and encouraging donations. This repurposing of the song raises awareness for important causes and inspires generosity during the holiday season.
5. The Economic Impact of the Twelve Days
Beyond its cultural and religious significance, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has an interesting economic dimension.
5.1. The Christmas Price Index
Each year, economists calculate the cost of purchasing all the gifts mentioned in “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This calculation, known as the Christmas Price Index, provides a fun and informative way to track inflation and economic trends. It also highlights the changing value of goods and services over time.
5.2. Impact on Retail and Consumer Spending
The song’s theme of gift-giving has a direct impact on retail and consumer spending during the Christmas season. The lyrics encourage generosity and the exchange of presents, contributing to the overall economic activity associated with the holidays. Retailers often use the song’s imagery in their marketing campaigns to promote sales and attract customers.
5.3. Supporting Local Businesses and Artisans
Many people choose to purchase gifts that reflect the themes of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” from local businesses and artisans. This supports the local economy and promotes unique, handcrafted items. It also adds a personal touch to gift-giving and encourages sustainable consumption practices.
6. Educational Opportunities and Learning
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” offers numerous educational opportunities for learners of all ages.
6.1. Teaching Math and Counting Skills
The song’s cumulative structure provides a fun and engaging way to teach math and counting skills to young children. Children can practice counting the gifts in each verse and adding them together to calculate the total number of gifts received. This makes learning math more enjoyable and memorable.
6.2. Exploring History and Culture
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” can be used to explore history and culture, particularly the traditions and customs associated with the Christmas season. Students can research the origins of the song, the symbolism of the gifts, and the historical context in which the song emerged. This promotes cultural awareness and appreciation.
6.3. Creative Writing and Storytelling
The song’s lyrics can inspire creative writing and storytelling activities. Students can write their own verses, create stories about the characters in the song, or imagine modern interpretations of the gifts. This encourages creativity, imagination, and language development.
7. Festive Recipes Inspired by the Song
The Twelve Days of Christmas can inspire creative and festive recipes that capture the spirit of the holiday season. Here are some ideas:
7.1. Partridge in a Pear Tree Salad
This elegant salad features roasted partridge or chicken served on a bed of greens with sliced pears, walnuts, and a honey-mustard dressing. It captures the essence of the first gift in the song and makes a delicious appetizer or main course.
7.2. Turtle Dove Chocolate Truffles
These decadent chocolate truffles are shaped like turtle doves and infused with flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. They symbolize love and fidelity and make a perfect treat for sharing with loved ones.
7.3. French Hen Pot Pies
These savory pot pies are filled with chicken, vegetables, and herbs, representing the three French hens in the song. They make a hearty and comforting meal for a cold winter day.
7.4. Golden Ring Onion Rings
These crispy onion rings are coated in a golden batter and fried to perfection, resembling the five golden rings in the song. They make a fun and festive appetizer for holiday gatherings.
7.5. Maids-a-Milking Milkshake
This creamy milkshake is made with vanilla ice cream, milk, and a touch of cinnamon, representing the eight maids-a-milking in the song. It’s a refreshing and indulgent treat for all ages.
8. The Twelve Days of Christmas Around the World
The celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas varies across different cultures and regions, reflecting diverse traditions and customs.
8.1. Cultural Variations in Celebration
In some countries, the twelve days are marked with special church services, feasts, and processions. In others, they are a time for quiet reflection and family gatherings. The specific activities and customs associated with the twelve days depend on local traditions and religious practices.
8.2. Gift-Giving Traditions
Gift-giving traditions also vary across cultures during the twelve days of Christmas. In some countries, gifts are exchanged on each of the twelve days, while in others, gifts are given only on Christmas Day or the Epiphany. The types of gifts given also vary, ranging from traditional items to modern gadgets.
8.3. Religious Observances
Religious observances play a significant role in the celebration of the twelve days of Christmas for many Christians. Churches often hold special services and events to commemorate the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Magi. These observances emphasize the spiritual significance of the season and encourage reflection and prayer.
9. The Twelve Days of Self-Care
Amidst the holiday hustle, it’s essential to prioritize self-care during the Twelve Days of Christmas.
9.1. Mindful Moments and Reflection
Take time each day to practice mindfulness and reflection. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and inner peace, such as meditation, yoga, or journaling. This can help reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
9.2. Healthy Habits and Nutrition
Maintain healthy habits and nutrition during the holiday season. Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and get regular exercise. This can help boost energy levels and prevent burnout.
9.3. Connecting with Loved Ones
Make time to connect with loved ones and nurture relationships. Spend quality time with family and friends, engage in meaningful conversations, and express appreciation for their presence in your life. This can foster a sense of belonging and connection.
10. The Twelve Days of Giving Back
The spirit of Christmas is often associated with giving back and helping those in need. The Twelve Days of Christmas provide an opportunity to engage in acts of kindness and generosity.
10.1. Volunteering and Community Service
Volunteer your time and skills to support local charities and community organizations. Help serve meals at a homeless shelter, tutor children in need, or participate in environmental cleanup efforts. This can make a positive impact on the lives of others and strengthen community bonds.
10.2. Donating to Charities
Donate to charities that align with your values and support causes that are important to you. Provide financial assistance, donate goods or services, or participate in fundraising events. This can help address pressing social issues and improve the well-being of vulnerable populations.
10.3. Acts of Kindness
Perform random acts of kindness for strangers and acquaintances. Offer a helping hand, pay for someone’s coffee, or simply offer a smile and a kind word. This can spread joy and positivity and inspire others to do the same.
11. Fun Facts and Trivia About the Song
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is full of interesting facts and trivia that add to its charm and appeal.
11.1. The True Cost of the Gifts
As mentioned earlier, economists calculate the cost of purchasing all the gifts in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” each year. The total cost can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the market value of the gifts.
11.2. Hidden Meanings and Interpretations
Some scholars believe that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” contains hidden meanings and interpretations related to religious symbolism or historical events. These theories add to the mystique and intrigue of the song.
11.3. Global Adaptations and Translations
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” has been adapted and translated into numerous languages and cultural contexts around the world. This demonstrates its universal appeal and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences.
12. Making the Twelve Days Meaningful
Ultimately, the most important aspect of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is making them meaningful and enriching.
12.1. Creating Family Traditions
Establish family traditions that celebrate the spirit of the season and create lasting memories. Decorate the home together, bake festive treats, sing carols, and participate in holiday activities. This can strengthen family bonds and create a sense of belonging.
12.2. Reflecting on the Year
Take time to reflect on the past year and express gratitude for the blessings in your life. Acknowledge the challenges you have overcome and celebrate your accomplishments. This can provide perspective and inspire hope for the future.
12.3. Embracing the Spirit of Christmas
Embrace the spirit of Christmas by practicing love, compassion, and generosity. Extend kindness to others, forgive those who have wronged you, and offer support to those in need. This can create a more joyful and peaceful world for all.
Matcha Wreath Cookies
Day 1: Matcha Wreath Cookies Recipe
This was one of your favourite recipes from last year’s 12 days of Christmas cookie series and it was mine as well. I love how versatile this dough is and I make it all year round in a variety of shapes. I usually pipe them out as little flowers with a large open star tip but during the holidays, they become wreaths or Christmas trees. The key is to use the best butter you can find! I always save all my “good butter” for this recipe. It is important to use very soft butter for the recipe (softer than room temperature), it’s okay even if a portion of the butter is melted. This will allow the dough to be piped easily. If you are still having issues with the dough coming out smoothly from the piping bag, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the dough will do the trick. After the dough has been piped, freezing the cookie wreaths before baking will help them retain their shape.
Ingredients:
- 113g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, very soft**
- 36g (5 tbsp) icing sugar
- 96g (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) all-purpose flour
- 36g (5 tbsp) rice flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp culinary matcha powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine softened butter and icing sugar. Mix with rubber spatula until the butter and sugar is creamy.
- Add flour, rice flour, matcha powder, and salt to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Apply pressure to pipe the dough into a wreath shape. (**if dough is too stiff to be piped, add 1-2 tbsp of melted butter to the dough and mix) leave 1 inch between each cookie; the cookies will not spread much.
- Transfer the sheet of piped cookies to the freezer while you preheat the oven to 325f.
- Bake the cookies until the bottoms are golden, about 15 – 18 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing and sprinkles.
Finished Matcha Cookies with Sprinkles
Kettle Corn Snowman Cookies
Day 2: Kettle Corn Snowman Cookies Recipe
These cookies combine two of my favourite things — popcorn and making cookies excessively cute. I could honestly live off of just eating popcorn for the rest of my life so adding popcorn to cookies just seemed like no brainer. The kettle corn makes the delicate sweet and salty cookie and the texture is like a delicate sugar cookie. The cookie is still crisp, but has a nice tenderness from the popcorn. The kettle corn cookie dough makes a great base for a variety of cutout or stamped cookie shapes but I used a round cookie cutter to make the base for the melted snowman.
Ingredients:
Cookie Dough
- 30g (2 cups) kettle corn
- 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, room temp
- 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 180g (1 1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Royal icing
- 300g (2 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
- 3 – 5 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp meringue powder
Instructions:
- Add kettle corn to a food processor or blender. Blitz until popcorn resembles flour, some large pieces are okay
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add egg yolk and vanilla, mix until smooth
- In a bowl whisk together flour, popcorn flour, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet and mix until combined. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness
- Using a 2-inch cookie cutter punch out rounds. Place on lined baking sheet, 1-inch apart. Transfer baking sheet to freezer to chill as oven preheats
- Preheat oven to 350f and bake cookies until golden brown around the edges, about 10-12 minutes. Let cookies cool before decorating
To decorate: spread white royal icing on the top of the cookie and place half a marshmallow before icing dries. Using brown royal icing or melted milk chocolate, draw the face of the snowman. Add sprinkles for buttons.
Finished Kettle Corn Snowman Cookie Display
Stamped Pretzel Shortbread Cookies
Day 3: Stamped Pretzel Shortbread Recipe
Pretzel shortbread (aka. blitzing pretzels until it becomes pretzel ‘flour’) will always be part of my holiday cookie roster. People never expect pretzels to be part of a cookie in this way but every time they bite into a pretzel shortbread cookie they instantly recognize the flavour and eat the other 5 cookies in the tin.
Pretzel Shortbread Close Up
Pretzel Shortbread Stamped Cookies
Soft & Chewy Candy Cane Sugar Cookies
Day 4: Soft & Chewy Candy Cane Sugar Cookies Recipe
Is there anything more festive than seeing crushed candy canes adorn the top of a cookie? Most of my holiday cookies are crisp and buttery like shortbread, but I know the importance of having a variety of textures in a holiday cookie tin. When I want to add a chewy sugar cookie to the mix, this is the one I gravitate to. The cookie is a soft and chewy sugar cookie and its topped with drizzle of royal icing and crushed candy canes. I also added some gold star sprinkles for extra sparkle
Ingredients:
- 270g (2 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 250g (1 ¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 227g (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 50g 1/4 cup granulated sugar, to roll
To garnish: royal icing, crushed candy canes, sprinkles
Royal icing
- 300g (2 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
- 3 – 5 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp meringue powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350f
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
- In a large bowl combine granulated sugar and butter, mix until smooth. Add egg and vanilla. Mix.
- Add dry ingredients to the bowl and mix until just combined
- Using an ice cream scoop, portion out dough. Roll each dough ball between palms of your hands then toss in granulated sugar
- Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still tender. Tap the pan on the counter several times to create ridges. Cool the cookies on the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes
- While cookies are cooling, making the royal icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, water, and meringue powder. If icing is too thick, add more water, 1 tbsp at a time.
- Drizzle royal icing on cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes and gold sprinkles
Candy Cane Sugar Cookie Close-Up
Peppermint Mocha Nutella Stars
Day 5: Peppermint Mocha Nutella Stars Recipe
These peppermint mocha nutella star cookies are a festive take on classic linzer cookies. Inspired by my favourite holiday drink (peppermint mocha, half sweet and no whip), these cookies feature a not-that-sweet chocolate cut out cookie filled with nutella topped with a chocolate drizzle and crushed candy canes.
Ingredients:
-
150 g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, room temp
-
50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
-
1 large egg yolk, room temp
-
1 tsp vanilla
-
160 g (1 1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
-
30 g (5 tbsp) cocoa powder
-
1 tsp espresso powder
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/3 cup nutella, to fill
-
1/4 cup melted dark or milk chocolate, to drizzle
-
Crushed candy canes, to garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350f
- In a large bowl combine butter and granulated sugar, mix until smooth. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Mix until combined
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt. Add dry mixture to the wet and mix until just combined.
- Lay down a piece of parchment paper and transfer dough to the parchment. Lay a second piece of parchment over the dough and roll out dough to 1/4-inch in thickness. If the dough is too sticky at this point, transfer the rolled out dough to chill I the fridge for 15 min
- Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, stamp cut outs. Using a smaller star cutter, stamp a cut out on half of the cookies. Transfer the cut outs to a lined baking sheet. Transfer baking sheet to refrigerator or freezer to chill cut outs until firm — this will prevent spreading
- Bake for 10 – 13 minutes, until edges the cookies are set. Wait 10 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Using a spoon or offset spatula, add nutella to the centre of each cookie. Place a cookie with a cut out on top.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate and garnish with crushed candy canes
Matcha Checkerboard Cookies
Day 6: Matcha Checkerboard Cookies Recipe
I’ve never attempted to make checkerboard cookies until last year when I saw Smitten Kitchen’s recipe for chocolate checkerboard cookies. I always assumed each square was stacked one by one and it was a very labour intensive process. After reading Deb’s instructions a few times and staring into space a few times to picture the process, I successfully made my first batch of checkerboard cookies… and I couldn’t stop. I made several flavours during the holidays and my favourite ones were the matcha version.
Vanilla dough:
- 85g (1/3 cup + 2 tsp) unsalted butter, room temp
- 45g (6 tbsp) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 90g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Matcha dough:
-
85g (1/3 cup + 2 tsp) unsalted butter, room temp
-
45g 6 tbsp) powdered sugar
-
90g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
-
1 tbsp culinary matcha powder
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
1 egg white
-
Coarse sanding sugar
Instructions:
- For the vanilla dough: in a bowl, combine butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth. Add vanilla. Add flour and salt and mix until no dry streaks remain. Do the same for the matcha dough.
- Place one portion of the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll into a 5 x 9-inch rectangle that is about 1/4-inch thick. Slide rolled out dough onto a baking sheet and freeze for 10 min until firm. Repeat this step with the other portion of dough
- Remove the top piece of parchment from each slab and stack the vanilla and matcha dough layers. Press on them gently with your hands. Cut the slab down the middle the long way to form two 2.5 x 9-inch rectangles and stack the halves. Press the layers gently to adhere them. Return the stacked dough to the freezer for another 10min
- Using a sharpe knife, cut it the long way into six slices. Arrange the first three into a checkerboard log, flipping two of the slices over so the opposite flavour is on top. Repeat step to form the second checkerboard log. Return to the freezer as oven preheats.
- Preheat oven to 350f. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk egg white. Using a pastry brush, brush log with a thin coat of egg white and roll in sanding sugar. Slice sugar-coated log into 1/4-inch-thick cookies, and arrange on lined baking sheet with 1-inch space between them.
- Bake for 11 – 14 min, or until golden brown underneath. Let cookies rest on tray for 5 minutes, before transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling
Stained Glass Sugar Cookies
Day 7: Stained Glass Sugar Cookies Recipe
Stained glass cookies are such a classic at Christmas time and are always the star of holiday baking magazine covers. Usually they’re quite simple, a star or heart-shaped cookie with a cut out for the candy centre. I decided to use royal icing to decorate the candy centre so they look like little snow globe cookies. You can use any hard candy of choice, but jolly ranchers are always a good pick!
Ingredients:
- 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 150 g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temp
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 160 g (1 1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Jolly ranchers hard candies, crushed
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350f and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Zest lemon over the bowl of granulated sugar. Using your fingers, rub lemon zest and sugar together until fragrant.
- In a large bowl combine butter and lemon-sugar. Mix until smooth. Add in egg yolk and vanilla. Mix until combined
- Add flour and salt. Mix until just combined
- Lay down a piece of parchment paper and transfer dough to the parchment. Lay a second piece of parchment over the dough and roll out dough to 1/4-inch in thickness. If the dough is too soft at this point, transfer the rolled out dough to firm up in the refrigerator for 15 min
- Using cookie cutters of choice, stamp out cut outs. Using a smaller cookie cutter, stamp cut outs at the centre of each cookie
- Transfer the cut outs to the lined baking sheet. Fill the centre of each cookie with crushed jolly ranchers
- Transfer baking sheet to refrigerator or freezer to chill cut outs until firm — this will prevent spreading
- Bake for 10 – 14 min (time will depend on shape and size of cookie), until edges the bottom of each cookie is a light golden brown
- Wait 20 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack to cool completely
- Optional: decorate cooled stained glass cookies with royal icing
Grinch’s Three-Sizes-Too-Small Heart Chewy Pistachio Sugar Cookies
Day 8: Grinch’s Three-Sizes-Too-Small Heart Chewy Pistachio Sugar Cookies Recipe
I try to keep my holiday cookie boxes nut-free because I want to make sure everyone can enjoy the cookie tins I give out each year. But if I know
Ingredients:
- 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, room temp
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 40g (1/3 cup) pistachios
- 90g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Green sanding sugar or sprinkles
- Heart sprinkles
- Gold luster dust
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350f and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- In bowl, combine butter and sugar. Mix until creamy. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Mix until smooth
- Add pistachios to a food processor and blitz pistachios until it resembles flour. Some large pieces are okay
- In a bowl, whisk together pistachio flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until just combined
- Portion out dough into golf ball-sized balls (about 1.5 – 2 tbsp of dough each). Roll each dough ball in green sanding sugar and place on baking sheet 2-inches apart
